The Anglican Church of Canada Logo
Anglican Church of Canada logo

A statement from the ecumenical negotiators on Indian residential schools

This content was published more than 23 years ago. Some information may no longer be current or accurate.

Published on 
February 4, 2002

At a meeting last week in Vancouver, representatives from the Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and United Church organizations, concluded that there is no longer a basis for ecumenical negotiations with the federal government to resolve the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.

In December, at the invitation of the Government of Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada entered into conversations, which more recently have evolved into bilateral negotiations. While the church representatives agree that ecumenical negotiations would have been preferable, they believe these negotiations would now be inconsistent with a simultaneous bilateral negotiation in process.

The representatives of the church organizations reconfirmed the urgent necessity of reaching a satisfactory conclusion to the legacy of residential schools with the government at the earliest possible moment. They remain committed to a comprehensive resolution. Such a solution must meet the legitimate claims of those who have been hurt as a result of their experience in residential schools. It also must support healing and remain open to the possibility of reconciliation.

The church representatives have written and welcomed the recently appointed Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable John Manley, who has assumed responsibility for resolution of residential schools issues. The church organizations look forward to an opportunity for an early meeting to encourage his leadership in addressing this important challenge in Canadian public policy.

Archdeacon Jim Boyles
Anglican Church of Canada
Contact:
Tony Whittingham
(416) 924-9199 (ext 324)
(416) 738-8909 (cell)

Rev. David Iverson
The United Church of Canada
Contact:
Mary-Frances Denis
(416) 231-7680 (ext 2016)
(416) 766-0057 (home)

Sister Marie Zarowny, SSA
Catholic Organizations’ Task Group on Indian Residential Schools
Contact:
Gerry Kelly
(613) 241-9461
(613) 297-1344 (cell)
Brian Greene
(613) 569-9098

Rev. Ian Morrison
The Presbyterian Church in Canada
Contact:
Keith Knight
(416) 441-1111 (ext 257) </np>

Explore related topic areas: Indian Residential Schools, Indigenous Ministries

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.